Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Nugent-Hopkins has been lighting upNHL goalies and also Roberto Luongo.

With a third of the season in the books, there's no question that one of the best stories of the early season has been rookie Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers.

With 32 points in 30 games, Nugent-Hopkins isn't just running away with the Calder Trophy but is staying within striking distance of the Art Ross. That seems far-fetched, of course, but there's no denying that the 18-year-old Oiler has been a revelation so far.

But while Nugent-Hopkins is a fantastic story, he's not the only rookie making an important contribution this year. Several young players are exceeding expectations in their first NHL season. Here's a look at some of the rookies making an impact around the NHL this season.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton - Is undoubtedly the best young player the Oilers have had in this lifetime, according to the kid tending bar who just made you feel incredibly old.

Jake Gardiner, Toronto - By playing a regular shift for the Maple Leafs, is gaining invaluable experience in what not to do while killing penalties.

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado - Is currently second in the entire league in the "games worth of Andy Sutton suspensions caused" category, although most experts assume that several players will pass him by the end of the season.

Luke Adam, Buffalo - Has been working hard since the season opener, since he knows the Sabres need to know you've had at least a dozen above-average games during your career before they'll throw a salary cap-destroying contract your way.Matt Read, Philadelphia - The talented winger has occasionally angered his coaches and teammates by making rookie mistakes, such as actually trying against teams that play defense.

Adam Henrique, New Jersey - As one of the top five rookie scorers in the entire league is certainly having a great season playing that position he plays for that team that he plays for, you say while desperately hoping someone will change the subject.

Craig Smith, Nashville - Is best known for his comical inability to shoot the puck into a wide open net, which probably explains his lack of success against Steve Mason.

Erik Gudbranson, Florida - Scored the first goal of his NHL career on Sunday at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers, although the moment was tarnished when he celebrated a little too enthusiastically and was immediately jumped by the entire Tampa Bay Lightning roster.

Cody Hodgson, Vancouver - Has looked impressive so far, significantly increasing the return the Canucks receive for him in the 90% of all hockey trade rumours in which he is inevitably included.

Nick Johnson, Minnesota - Is so young and naïve that he sometimes says ridiculous things like "The Minnesota Wild are in first place" and "No, seriously, look it's right here on the standings page" and "See, this is why we all hate you Eastern-based hockey people".

Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim - Was recently loaned to the Canadian entry in the World Junior Hockey Championships, although the Ducks prefer to call it "advance scouting for next year's first overall pick".

Joe Colborne, Toronto - Scouts agree that he would be more effective if he could complete a rush without remembering that the Leafs acquired him for a few months of Tomas Kaberle and immediately breaking into fits of hysterical laughter.

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa - Despite a youthful appearance, is not actually a rookie and is in fact a multi-year veteran who has already appeared in an all-star game, he says while stomping his wittle feet adorably.

Ryan Johansen, Columbus - Is extremely popular with his veteran teammates, as so far he hasn't told the coaches about the tunnel that Rick Nash and Jeff Carter are digging behind the dressing room poster of Raquel Welch.

Roman Horak, Calgary - After spending the first two months of the season with the Flames, was recently promoted to the AHL.

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa - Despite a youthful appearance, is not actually a rookie and is in fact a multi-year veteran who has already appeared in an all-star game, he says while stomping his wittle feet adorably.

As someone who has been a Sabres fan for the entire 24 years I've spent on this planet, the Luke Adam one made me both sad and having the oddest compulsion to follow Ville Leino around with a lead pipe.

"Joe Colborne, Toronto - Scouts agree that he would be more effective if he could complete a rush without remembering that the Leafs acquired him for a few months of Tomas Kaberle and immediately breaking into fits of hysterical laughter."

I dunno why, I'll never get tired of Kabby or Dion trade jokes!!!! Maybe cuz the leafs have been on the other end of them for a while!!